Swimwear apparatus

ABSTRACT

A swimwear apparatus is provided. The swimwear apparatus may include an upper portion having an upper base layer and an upper bikini layer, and a lower portion having a lower base layer and a lower bikini layer. The upper bikini layer may be configured to be removably attached to the upper base layer, and the lower bikini layer may be configured to be removably attached to the lower base layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 15/623,620, filed on Jun. 15, 2017, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser.No. 15/160,189, filed on May 20, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,706,799 on Jul. 18, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/321,789, filed on Apr. 13, 2016, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a women's swimwearapparatus, and more particularly to a women's swimwear apparatus havinginterchangeable components that provided added comfort and support ascompared with related art swimwear.

SUMMARY

Many women dread the thought of wearing conventional swimsuits, whichare typically one- or two-piece swimsuits, because they tend to be morerevealing than many women would prefer. Such conventional bathing suitsrequire the wearer to reveal their bare-skinned legs as well as otherless desirable areas of the body. For example, many women areuncomfortable wearing conventional swimsuits because they may havevisible varicose veins, unsightly scars from surgeries, skin disordersor pregnancy marks, etc. Accordingly, there is a need for a device thatwill improve the appearance of certain areas of a woman's body so theycan feel more comfortable appearing in public in a swimsuit.

In addition to this drawback, when wearing conventional swimsuits womenoften experience their inner thighs rubbing together, which causes agreat deal of discomfort and pain. Thus, there is also a need for aswimwear device that mitigates the discomfort associated with thewearer's inner thighs rubbing together.

Yet another drawback of conventional swimsuits is the lack of supportprovided. It is a common practice among women to wear girdles or bodyshapers underneath their clothes to slim, shape and help contour areasof the body that need the most help. But none of these shaping productsassist women when the time calls to come out of their clothes and getdressed appropriately for water activities. Recently, so-called “gym andswim” attire has become popular to address this issue, however, thisattire looks like yoga/exercise attire, which leaves the undesirableimpression that the wearer has just left the gym, and is notspecifically dressed for water activities. Accordingly, there is a needfor a device that provides the support of body shaper devices, but thatis also designed for wearing while participating in water activities.

According to an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, there is provided a swimwear apparatus that may helpto reduce and or eliminate discomfort of inner thigh chafing byproviding a buffer of fabric. The swimwear apparatus may also allowwomen to choose comfort, support and modesty without having tocompromise showing too much of their body in order to participate inwater activities.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure, there is provided a swimwear apparatus that may include anupper portion having an upper base layer and an upper bikini layer, anda lower portion having a lower base layer and a lower bikini layer. Theupper bikini layer may be configured to be removably attached to theupper base layer, and the lower bikini layer may be configured to beremovably attached to the lower base layer. The lower base layer mayinclude at least one base legging that is configured to be attached,removably or permanently, to a bottom portion of the lower bikini layer.

The lower bikini layer may include a front lower bikini portion that isconnected to a back lower bikini portion.

The lower bikini layer may also include first and second connectionportions disposed on opposite sides of the front lower bikini portionthat removably attach the lower bikini layer to the lower base layer.

The lower bikini layer may also include first and second connectionportions disposed on a first side of the front lower bikini portion, andthird and fourth connection portions disposed on a second side of thefront lower bikini portion. The first, second, third, and fourthconnecting portions may be configured to removably attach the lowerbikini layer to the lower base layer.

The first and second connection portions may include at least one ofsnaps, waterproof hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and waterproofzippers that removably attach the lower bikini layer to the lower baselayer.

The lower bikini layer may also include third and fourth connectionportions disposed on opposite sides of the back lower bikini portion.When the first, second, third, and fourth connection portions are usedto removably attach the lower bikini layer to the lower base layer, thefirst and second connection portions may not be in contact with thethird and fourth connection portions. Alternatively, when the first,second, third, and fourth connection portions are used to removablyattach the lower bikini layer to the lower base layer, the first andsecond connection portions may be in contact with the third and fourthconnection portions, respectively.

The front lower bikini portion may also include a first gap between thefirst and second connection portions, and a second gap between the thirdand fourth connection portions. The first gap or the second gap may berectangular or triangular shaped.

The lower bikini layer may include fifth and sixth connection portionsdisposed on opposite sides of the back lower bikini portion thatremovably attach the lower bikini layer to the lower base layer. Thefifth and sixth connection portions may be disposed on a first side ofthe back lower bikini portion, and seventh and eighth connectionportions may be disposed on a second side of the back lower bikiniportion. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth connection portions maybe configured to removably attach the lower bikini layer to the lowerbase layer.

The back lower bikini portion may include a third gap between the fifthand sixth connection portions, and a fourth gap between the seventh andeighth connection portions. The first connection portion may beremovably attached to the fifth connection portion and the secondconnection portion may be removably attached to the sixth connectionportion. The third connection portion may be removably attached to theseventh connection portion and the fourth connection portion may beremovably attached to the eighth connection portion. The first gap andthe third gap may form a first continuous horizontal gap through whichthe lower base layer is visible on a first side of the lower bikinilayer. The second gap and the fourth gap may form a second continuoushorizontal gap through which the lower base layer is visible on a secondside of the lower bikini layer.

The lower bikini layer may include a skirt configured to wrap around atleast a portion of a waist of a wearer of the swimwear apparatus.

The upper bikini layer may include a left upper bikini layer and a rightupper bikini layer. The left upper bikini layer may include a firstconnection portion that removably attaches the left upper bikini layerto the upper base layer, and the right upper bikini layer may include asecond connection portion that removably attaches the right upper bikinilayer to the upper base layer. The left upper bikini portion and theright upper bikini portion may each include at least three connectionportions that removably attach the upper bikini layer to the upper baselayer.

The lower base layer and the upper base layer may be made of asemi-transparent material. The lower base layer and the upper base layermay be made of a compression fabric. The lower base layer and the upperbase layer may be made of a material that allows ultra-violet light topass through the fabric. The lower base layer may include an openingthat, when worn by a wearer, is disposed in a crotch region of thewearer. The lower base layer and the upper base layer may be connectedto form a single base layer.

According to an aspect of one more exemplary embodiments, the lowerportion may include a lower base layer, a first lower bikini layerconfigured to be attached to a first side of the lower base layer, and asecond lower bikini layer configured to be attached to a second side ofthe lower base layer. The upper bikini layer may include a first upperbikini layer configured to be attached to a first side of the upper baselayer, and a second upper bikini layer configured to be attached to asecond side of the upper base layer. At least one of the first lowerbikini layer, the second lower bikini layer, the first upper bikinilayer, and the second upper bikini layer may be configured to beremovably attached to their respective lower base layer and upper baselayer.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the lower bikini layermay be printed on one or both sides of the lower base layer. Inaddition, or alternatively, the upper bikini layer may be printed on oneor both sides of the upper base layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a swimwear apparatus according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a swimwear apparatus according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a right lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a left lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a swimwear apparatus according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a swimwear apparatus according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a right lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a left lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment

FIG. 11 is a right lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according to yetanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a left lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according to yetanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a right lateral view of a swimwear apparatus according to yetanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment

FIG. 15 is a front view of a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the following exemplaryembodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whereinlike reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The exemplaryembodiments may be embodied in various forms without being limited tothe exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Descriptions of well-knownparts are omitted for clarity.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a swimwear apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the swimsuitapparatus of the exemplary embodiment may include a lower portion 100and an upper portion 110. The lower portion 100 may include a lower baselayer 101 and a lower bikini layer 112. The lower base layer 101 may besimilar to a pair of leggings, shorts, or capri pants. The lower bikinilayer 102 may be similar to a bikini bottom, and may be configured toattach, removably or permanently, to the lower base layer 101. The lowerbikini layer 102 may include front and back lower bikini portions 103,104 (as shown in FIG. 3) that are connected to each other, and that areconfigured to attach to the lower base layer 101 at a lateral positionof the lower base layer 101. According to an exemplary embodiment, thefront and back lower bikini portions 103, 104 may each include fourconnecting portions 105, two on each side, for connecting the lowerbikini layer 102 to the lower base layer 101, however a different numberof connecting portions 105 may be used. For example, the front and backlower bikini portions 103, 104 may each have two, six, or eightconnecting portions 105. The connecting portions 105 may include snaps106 for attaching the lower bikini layer 102 to the lower base layer 101of the lower portion 100. Alternatively, the connecting portions mayinclude waterproof hook and loop fasteners, buttons, waterproof zippers,or other mechanisms for attaching the lower bikini layer 102 to thelower base layer 101.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portions 105 of thefront and back lower bikini portions 103, 104 may not connect on theside of the wearer when in use, such that there is a gap 107 between thefront and back lower bikini portions 103, 104 on the side of the wearer.Alternatively, the connecting portions 105 of the front and back lowerbikini portions 103, 104 may connect on the side of the wearer to createthe appearance that the front and back lower bikini portions 103, 104are connected on the side of the wearer. The lower bikini layer 102 maybe configured to be removable and interchangeable, such that the wearercan wear different lower bikini layers 102 with the lower base layer101. Alternatively, the lower bikini layer 102 may be permanentlyattached to the lower base layer 101.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the connectingportions 105 of the front lower bikini portion 103 and back lower bikiniportion 104 may be separated vertically such that there are gaps 108between the connection portions 105 on each side of the front and backlower bikini portion 103, 104. Spacing the connecting portions 105 oneach side of the front lower bikini portion 103 and back lower bikiniportion 104 allows for the connecting portions 105 to be independentlyadjustable to provide a more comfortable fit.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower bikini layer 102may also be in the form of a skirt that wraps around the waist of thewearer. According to this exemplary embodiment, the skirt may alsoinclude multiple connecting portions 105 having snaps, waterproof hookand loop fasteners, buttons, waterproof zippers, or other mechanisms 106for connecting the skirt to the base layer. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the skirt may extend the entire circumference surroundingthe waist of the wearer. According to an alternative exemplaryembodiment, the skirt may not extend entirely around the waist of thewearer, but instead may leave a portion of the circumference uncovered.

The upper portion 110 of the swimwear apparatus may include an upperbase layer 111 and an upper bikini layer 112. The upper base layer 111may fit around the upper torso of the wearer and connect using a varietyof mechanisms, such as snaps, zippers, or by tying two ends around theneck of the wearer. The upper bikini layer 112 may include one or moreconnecting portions 113 that are configured to attach the upper bikinilayer 112 to the upper base layer 111. The connecting portions 113 mayinclude snaps, waterproof hook and loop fasteners, buttons, waterproofzippers, or other mechanisms for attaching the upper bikini layer 112 tothe upper base layer 111. The upper bikini layer 112 may be configuredto be removable and interchangeable, such that the wearer can weardifferent upper bikini layers 112 with the upper base layer 111.Alternatively, the upper bikini layer may be permanently attached to theupper base layer 111.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower base layers101, 111 may have the receiving snap structure attached thereto whilethe upper and lower bikini layers 102, 112 may have the joining snappieces attached. When the upper base layer 111 is attached to the upperbikini layer 112, a complete bikini top is formed. When the lower baselayer 101 is snapped to the lower bikini layer 102, a complete bikinibottom is formed. The respective base layers 101, 111 and bikini layers102, 112 come together to provide a secure and tight fit of the bikinilayers. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower base layer 101may be semi-transparent so the wearer would need to wear the lowerbikini layer 102 in order to cover the wearer's sensitive areas.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the lower base layer 101may be made with a compression fabric. The compression fabric may be apower net mesh that is quick-drying, strong, and abrasion resistant. Thepower net mesh may be made from micro-denier nylon that pulls moistureaway from the body and transports it to the surface of the garment,where it evaporates and leaves the skin cool and dry. This fabricprovides greater support and a comfortable fit for the wearer, as wellas reduces and or eliminates discomfort of inner thigh chafing byproviding a buffer of fabric. In addition, the lower base layer 101 maybe made with a tan-through fabric that allows ultra-violet light to passthrough the fabric, allowing the wearer's skin to tan under the baselayer to minimize undesirable tan lines. The lower bikini layer 102 mayinclude an inserted power mesh compression fabric sewn underneath or ontop of the fabric of the lower bikini layer 102 to provide additionalfirm compression support when the lower bikini layer 102 is attached tolower base layer 101. The lower base layer 101 may also include a paddisposed at an upper thigh area so as to further prevent abrasionbetween the wearer's thighs. The pad may be integrally sewn into thelower base layer 101, but may alternatively be attached to the lowerbase layer 101 using other mechanisms, such as adhesives, zippers,snaps, buttons, etc.

The lower base layer 101 allows the wearer to camouflage imperfectionsin the skin, for example, surgical scars, pregnancy scars and skindisorders. The lower base layer 101 allows wearer the comfort of nothaving to worry about body parts popping out when walking, swimming,playing volleyball, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, as well as playingwith family and friends.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the lower base layer 101may include an opening (not shown) in the crotch region, which allowsthe wearer to use the restroom without having to remove the lower baselayer 101. When the wearer needs to use the restroom, the wearer candetach the lower bikini layer 102, by for example, unsnapping it fromthe lower base layer 101, after which the wearer can use the restroomwithout having to remove the lower base layer 101, which may becumbersome especially if it is wet from participating in wateractivities.

The upper base layer 111 and the upper bikini layer 112 form a bikinitop when connected by the connecting portions 113. The interchangeableupper bikini layer 112 may be made with compression fabric to provideadditional support to the breast area. In addition, the upper base layer111 may be made with a tan-through fabric that allows ultra-violet raysto pass through the fabric, allowing the wearer's skin to tan under thebase layer to minimize undesirable tan lines. According to one or moreexemplary embodiments, fabric of the upper bikini layer 112 may beattached to the upper base layer 111 at three connection portions 113for each breast, although a different number of connection portions maybe used. The upper base layer 111 may have the receiving snap structurewhile the upper bikini layer 112 may have the corresponding snap pieces.The two snap pieces may come together to provide a secure and tight fitof the upper bikini layer 112 and the upper base layer 111 for thecomplete bikini top.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the swimwear apparatus mayinclude a single base layer that is similar to a conventional one-piecebathing suit. According to this exemplary embodiment, the base layer maybe made with a compression fabric. The compression fabric may be a powernet mesh that is quick-drying, strong, and abrasion resistant. The powernet mesh may be made from micro-denier nylon that pulls moisture awayfrom the body and transports it to the surface of the garment, where itevaporates and leaves the skin cool and dry. The base layer of theexemplary embodiment may be semi-transparent so the wearer would need towear a bikini layer in order to cover the wearer's sensitive areas. Asin the previous exemplary embodiment, the base layer of this exemplaryembodiment, may include an opening in the crotch region, which allowsthe wearer to use the restroom without having to remove the base layer.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the swimwear apparatus may alsoinclude one or more bikini layers that are configured to be attached tothe single base layer. According to the exemplary embodiment, theswimwear apparatus may include upper and lower bikini layers havingconnecting portions as described above that are configured to attach tothe single base layer.

Alternatively, the swimwear apparatus of the exemplary embodiment mayinclude a single bikini layer that is configured to attach to the singlebase layer. The single bikini layer may include front and back bikiniportions that are connected at the crotch region. The single bikinilayer may have one or more connecting portions configured to attach thebikini layer to the base layer. The connecting portions may connect tothe bikini layer to the base layer in a manner in which the front andback bikini portions do not connect on the side of the wearer.Alternatively, the front and back portions may connect on the side ofthe wearer.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a swimwear apparatus according to another exemplaryembodiment. Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the swimwear apparatus according tothis exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4, as it includes a lower base layer 101, lower bikini layer102, and connecting portions 105. However, the connecting portions 105of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5-8 may have varying lengths andwidths. For example, the top connecting portion 105 on one side of thefront bikini portion 103 may extend further on the side of the wearerthan the lower connecting portion 105 on the same side of the frontbikini portion 103. In addition, the top connecting portion 105 on oneside of the front bikini portion 103 may have a greater width than thelower connecting portion 105 on the same side of the front bikiniportion 103.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 9-12, the swimwear apparatusaccording to this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1-4, as it includes a lower base layer 101, lowerbikini layer 102, and connecting portions 105. However, the connectingportions 105 of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5-8 may be configuredso that the gap 108 between the top connecting portion and bottomconnecting portion 105 on one side of the front bikini portion 103 issubstantially triangular in shape. In other words, the width of the gap108 between the top connecting portion and bottom connecting portion 105on one side of the front lower bikini portion 103 is larger near theside of the wearer and narrower near the center of the front lowerbikini portion 103. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the back lowerbikini portion may only include two connection portions 105, such thatthere is no gap 108 between connection portions of the back lower bikiniportion 104. Configuring the connection portions 105 in the manner shownin this exemplary embodiment, may provide increased flexibility inaffixing the lower bikini layer 102 to the lower base layer 101.

FIG. 13 illustrates a swimwear apparatus according to yet anotherexemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the swimwear apparatusaccording to this exemplary embodiment is similar to the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1-4, as it includes lower base layer 101, lowerbikini layer 102, and connecting portions 105. However, the connectingportions 105 of the front lower bikini portion 103 and the back lowerbikini portion 104 may be attached, removably or permanently, on theside of the wearer, such that there is no vertical gap 107 between thefront and back lower bikini portions 103, 104. According to thisexemplary embodiment, there may still be a horizontal gap 108 betweenthe connection portions 105 on each side of the front and back lowerbikini portions 103, 104. The connection portions 105 of the front lowerbikini portion 103 may be attached to the connection portions 105 of theback lower bikini portion 104 using stitching, snaps, buttons,waterproof zippers, hook and loop connectors, ties, etc.

The lower bikini layer 102 may also be attached, removably orpermanently, to the lower base layer 101. According to an exemplaryembodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower base layer 101 may includetwo lower base leggings 101 a and 101 b, which may be removably orpermanently attached to the bottom of the lower bikini layer 102. Forexample, the lower base leggings 101 a and 101 b may be attached to thebottom of the lower bikini layer 102 via stitching, buttons, snaps,waterproof zippers, hook and loop connectors, clips, ties, etc. Inaddition, the lower base leggings 101 a and 101 b may be detached fromthe lower bikini layer 102 separately. That is, the wearer can choose toattach one, both, or neither of the lower base leggings 101 a, 101 b tothe lower bikini layer 102. Alternatively, the lower base leggings 101 aand 101 b may be attached, removably or permanently, to the bottom ofthe lower base layer 101, as opposed to the lower bikini layer 102. Forexample, if the lower base layer 101 is shorts-length, the lower baseleggings 101 a and 101 b may attach to the bottom of the base layer 101to extend coverage to the wearer's knees (not shown).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower base layer 101 may notinclude a portion that covers the groin area of the wearer, which isinstead covered by the lower bikini layer 102. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the lower base layer 101 may serve as a liner for the lowerbikini layer 102, including or not including the groin region of thewearer. According to an exemplary embodiment in which the lower bikinilayer 102 includes a horizontal gap on one or more sides of the wearer,the lower base layer 101 may or may not be visible within the horizontalgap. If the lower base layer 101 is not visible in the horizontal gap,the wearer's skin may be visible in the horizontal gap. According to anexemplary embodiment, the lower base layer 101 may extend above the topof the lower bikini layer 102 so as to provide support for the stomacharea of the wearer. The portion of the lower base layer 101 that extendsabove the top of the lower bikini layer 102 may be made of the same ordifferent material as the lower base layer 101 that is underneath thelower bikini layer 102 and/or the lower base leggings 101 a, 101 b. Thelower base leggings 101 a, 101 b may be made of a compression fabric, anultraviolet resistant fabric, or a tan-through fabric, though othertypes of fabrics may also be used. In addition, the lower base leggings101 a, 101 b may have various lengths, including shorts, capri length,and ankle-length.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and15, there may be provided first and second upper bikini layers 112 a,112 b, which may be configured to be attached to the upper base layer111. First upper bikini layer 112 a may be attached to a first side ofthe upper base layer 111, and second upper bikini layer 112 b may beattached to a second side of the upper base layer 111. Likewise, theremay be provided first and second lower bikini layers 102 a, 102 b, whichmay be configured to be attached to the lower base layer 101. The firstlower bikini layer 102 a may be attached to a first side of the lowerbase layer 101, and the second lower bikini layer 102 b may be attachedto a second side of the lower base layer. One or more of the first upperbikini layer 112 a, the second upper bikini layer 112 b, the first lowerbikini layer 102 a, and the second lower bikini layer 102 b may beremovably or permanently attached to the respective upper base layer 111and lower base layer 101. By providing bikini layers on both sides ofthe base layers, the wearer can decide which bikini layers will beoutward facing and which bikini layers will be inward facing, so as toprovide multiple wearing options.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the lower bikini layerand/or the upper bikini layer may be printed, respectively, on the lowerbase layer and/or the upper base layer. For example, the upper and lowerbikini layers may be printed on the respective upper and lower baselayers using sublimation printing, screen printing, 3-D printing,digital printing, heat transfer, or other known printing techniques. Thelower bikini layer may include first lower bikini layer 102 a that isprinted on a first side of the lower base layer 101, and the secondlower bikini layer 102 b may be printed on a second side of the lowerbase layer. Similarly, the upper bikini layer may include first upperbikini layer 112 a that is printed on a first side of the upper baselayer 111, and second upper bikini layer 112 b that is printed on asecond side of the upper base layer 111. The printed bikini layers ofthe exemplary embodiment may be configured in various sizes and shapes.In addition, a bikini layer printed on a first side of the base layermay have a different design, pattern, colors, etc. than a bikini layerprinted on a second side of the base layer, so as to provide the wearerwith the option of deciding which bikini layer is outward facing.Alternatively, the bikini layer may only be printed on one side of thebase layer.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the upper and/or lowerbikini layers may be coupled to the respective upper and/or lower baselayers by additional mechanisms. For example, one or both of the upperand lower bikini layers may be dyed onto the respective upper and lowerbase layers. That is, the upper and lower bikini layers may be formed bydyeing certain portions of the upper and lower base layers to create theappearance of a separate fabric layer. Alternatively, the upper and/orlower bikini layers may be coupled to the respective upper and/or lowerbase layers by using a heat transfer process.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the upper base layer maybe laser cut to remove portions of the upper base layer that correspondto the location of the upper bikini layer. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the upper bikini layer may be coupled to the upper baselayer so that the upper bikini layer covers the portion of the upperbase layer that has been removed, or at least a portion thereof.Similarly, the lower base layer may be laser cut to remove portions ofthe lower base layer that correspond to the location of the lower bikinilayer. According to this exemplary embodiment, the lower bikini layermay be coupled to the lower base layer so that the lower bikini layercovers the portion of the lower base layer that has been removed, or atleast a portion thereof.

Although the inventive concepts of the present disclosure have beendescribed and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof,it is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe inventive concepts.

What is claimed is:
 1. A swimwear apparatus comprising: an upper portionhaving an upper base layer and an upper bikini layer disposed on theupper base layer; and a lower portion having a lower base layer and alower bikini layer disposed on the lower base layer; wherein the lowerbikini layer includes two leg holes; and wherein the lower base layerextends beyond at least one of the two leg holes of the lower bikinilayer.
 2. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower bikinilayer is printed on the lower base layer.
 3. The swimwear apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the upper bikini layer is printed on the upper baselayer.
 4. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of thelower bikini layer and the upper bikini layer is removably coupled tothe respective lower base layer and upper base layer.
 5. The swimwearapparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper bikini layer comprises a firstupper bikini layer disposed on an inner side of the upper base layer anda second upper bikini layer disposed on an outer side of the upper baselayer.
 6. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower bikinilayer comprises a first lower bikini layer disposed on an inner side ofthe lower base layer and a second lower bikini layer disposed on anouter side of the lower base layer.
 7. The swimwear apparatus of claim1, further comprising one or more legging portions that are configuredto be removably attached to the lower base layer.
 8. The swimwearapparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the one or more legging portionscomprises a first side and a second side; and wherein each of the one ormore leggings is configured to be reversibly attached to the lower baselayer so that either the first side or the second side is outwardlyfacing.
 9. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower bikinilayer includes a front lower bikini portion and a back lower bikiniportion, said front lower bikini comprising a first connection portionconfigured to be removably attached to a first side of the lower baselayer, and a second connection portion configured to be removablyattached to a second side of the lower base layer; and wherein the backlower bikini portion comprises a third connection portion configured tobe removably attached to the first side of the lower base layer, and afourth connection portion configured to be removably attached to thesecond side of the lower base layer.
 10. The swimwear apparatus of claim1, wherein at least one of the upper bikini layer and the lower bikinilayer is dyed onto the respective upper base layer and lower base layer.11. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upperbikini layer and the lower bikini layer is coupled to the respectiveupper base layer and lower base layer via a heat transfer process. 12.The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper base layercomprises at least one opening over which the upper bikini layer isdisposed.
 13. The swimwear apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at leastone opening is formed via a laser cutting process.
 14. The swimwearapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower base layer comprises at leastone opening over which the lower bikini layer is disposed.
 15. Theswimwear apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper bikini layer comprisesa first side and a second side; and wherein the first side and thesecond side of the upper bikini layer are each configured to be coupledto the upper base layer.
 16. The swimwear apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe lower bikini layer comprises a first side and a second side; andwherein the first side and the second side of the lower bikini layer areeach configured to be coupled to the lower base layer.
 17. The swimwearapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower base layer comprises an openingconfigured to allow a wearer of the swimwear apparatus to use therestroom without removing the lower base layer.
 18. The swimwearapparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower base layer is coupled to theupper base layer.
 19. The swimwear apparatus of claim 18, wherein thelower bikini layer is coupled to the upper bikini layer to form aone-piece swimwear apparatus.